Barnsley’s terrible run on their travels continued as they were ‘bullied’ into defeat by Coventry, who moved into the Championship’s top six.

The Tykes have not won away since February and have never managed a victory at the Ricoh Arena. Manager Mark Robins said the team’s late arrival due to an accident on the M1 was no excuse.

An early goal from Gary McSheffrey and then late strikes from substitutes Carl Baker and Jordan Clarke helped City to the points.Robins said: “We lost our preparation time which wasn’t ideal but we are not going to hide behind that.

“Coventry are one of the biggest teams in the division and I thought they bullied us. It’s difficult trying to find positives when you have been beaten 3-0 again.”

McSheffrey shot home after nine minutes as he latched on to Clive Platt’s flick before firing into the bottom corner.

Barnsley did come into it towards the end but Coventry put the result beyond doubt when Baker dribbled into the box and shot low into the net. And then teenager Clarke sealed the points with a shot from the edge of the area.

City manager Aidy Boothroyd credited his coaches with the tactical switch. He said: “Sometimes when substitutes go on it doesn’t all work. It was my decision in the end but they were suggestions from [coaches] Martyn Pert and Steve Harrison.”